While he plans on having a more offensive-minded squad, Sawyers also recognizes the importance of a solid defense and expects Christie Rampone and Anita Asante to anchor the back line. He has a close eye on defenders Keeley Dowling, Jenny Anderson-Hammond and Christie Shaner as he begins to formulate a starting lineup.

Since the squad is newly assembled, the team does not have an in-house veteran. But the Sky’s fourth pick of the 2009 WPS Draft, Averbuch, expects that one of the game’s long-time players will emerge as a leader in the inaugural season.

_________________"Don't do something until you get it right, do it until you can't do it wrong."
- Geno Auriemma